What do you guys expect in a gaming parlour?

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Again, I guess people who are dedicated fans of PS3 and Xbox 360 wouldn't agree the fact that PC is much more superior at all times.

First of all, there is no anti-aliasing concept in consoles. Moreover, they don't have updated graphic cards like PC cause a lot changed in past 5 years since PS3 got released. Moreover, who can afford 2500 INR or more for single game on consoles?

We have setup a single and split screen setup in a large 42" inch plasma. Games like FIFA 12, Dirt 3, Arkham City looks awesome.

Yet to setup LAN as we need more computers and setup for it. So, would like if few single player fans or sports fans visit my parlor and let me know how good it is at this alpha stage. I'm sure playing it on the big screen with Xbox controller is quite good!

Haven't started promotional activites yet but got the flyers ready...hope the design is good enough to attract gamers! It's posted on Just Dial.

Our pricing for single player is at 40 per hour.
 
Let us assume that you have 10 computers and each computer is used for 10 hours in a day, that means a turnover of 4000 which is unrealistic considering you can't have 10 computers busy for 10 hours a day.

1.2 lacs is what the rent of such a place would be in case you want it used 100 hours a day with 10 computers. If you own the place, renting it out will be more profitable.

I assume that all the hardware is free, staff is free, electricity is free, everything is free, management is free, even then you just might break even with 10 computers being used for 10 hours each daily at rs40 per hour.

Considering you spend 40k on a pc, so 10 pcs is 4 lacs

Let us assume 2 lacs in a year

Now electricity etc makes you need a turnover of at least 2-3 lacs per month to really break even

If you rent a cheap place, it won't be used for 100 hours a day anyway.

The point is that if you aim at an income of 4-5 lacs a month you need to buy at least 100-500 computers and open an entire arcade.

I know this because I was once making a gaming cafe business plan and the only way to profit even like a beggar is to not pay rent unless you are big enough to go into economies of scale which too would make a loss in 99% of the cases.

If you don't believe me, make your own business plan before you spend money.

Calculate the number of visitor hours, revenue possible, amount to be spent on various stuff, if you get a return on investment of 20-30% after paying your management costs, go for it
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My two cents - I dont think u will fetch any customers who likes to play alone on Batman or any other single player games. its no more a video game which plays Mario all the time. So investing on multiplayers and co-op games is wiser. Also, add on 3 more tv's (atleast 1 more) and get the multiplayer for fifa etc on consoles working.. believe me, u will earn more on them than the pc's. If u have 4 tv's, u can put on halo as well and buy enough number of ps3 and xbox 360 as per your budget. This is solely for the reason of variety that ur parlour can provide other than pc gaming. You can ignore this if u have no intention of promoting consoles like any others.

also, if space isnt a constraint, u can have a private room setup for kinda high profile tourney and and rent out the space on a day basis.
 
"Let us assume that you have 10 computers and each computer is used for 10 hours in a day, that means a turnover of 4000 which is unrealistic considering you can't have 10 computers busy for 10 hours a day.

1.2 lacs is what the rent of such a place would be in case you want it used 100 hours a day with 10 computers. If you own the place, renting it out will be more profitable."

Seriously, what kind of a calculation is this? I got completely confused triyng to know wht you are getting at. After all, there is no need to pay 1 lac rent every month. Even an idiot wouldn't do that to start a game parlor right? I have opted for a minimal rent with decent atmosphere where if the 10 PCs run 5 hours on a weekend and 2 hours on a weekday is definitely enough.

And, yes we have plans to put up console. But, mayb one or two, not more! Looking forward to focus more on PCs and have at least 15 running so that group of players can play together which is not possible at home.

Lan Parties are always fun and gaming parlors are based on that I guess, giving what customers can't get anywhere else!

CS Source, COD, Dota will be the primary games besides Quake, UT 2004, Starcraft II which will be updated as we progress. I am going to invest minimal on computers because they can easily run such older games. New ones will be on few, not all!
 
Sorry to say this but you are terribly mistaken if you thought console visuals are 'outdated'. Please do yourself a favor and check out Uncharted 2/3, God of War III, Gears of War 3 in person. Preferably on a large display.

Exactly.

Again, I guess people who are dedicated fans of PS3 and Xbox 360 wouldn't agree the fact that PC is much more superior at all times.

First of all, there is no anti-aliasing concept in consoles. Moreover, they don't have updated graphic cards like PC cause a lot changed in past 5 years since PS3 got released. Moreover, who can afford 2500 INR or more for single game on consoles?

Dude sorry to interrupt this thread is going in the wrong direction.Anyways what you have outlined is somewhat true but a very very debatable topic.

Outdated means what? Nope i am not a fan of any side i like games irrespective of their platforms. i even wont mind playing Half life 1 also now.

Try what gannu has mentioned.there is not a single title in pc close enough to those mentioned.The physics of UC 3 is unmatched.

Anyways guys lets keep the topic clean.
 
Let us assume that you have 10 computers and each computer is used for 10 hours in a day, that means a turnover of 4000 which is unrealistic considering you can't have 10 computers busy for 10 hours a day.

1.2 lacs is what the rent of such a place would be in case you want it used 100 hours a day with 10 computers. If you own the place, renting it out will be more profitable.

I assume that all the hardware is free, staff is free, electricity is free, everything is free, management is free, even then you just might break even with 10 computers being used for 10 hours each daily at rs40 per hour.

Considering you spend 40k on a pc, so 10 pcs is 4 lacs

Let us assume 2 lacs in a year

Now electricity etc makes you need a turnover of at least 2-3 lacs per month to really break even

If you rent a cheap place, it won't be used for 100 hours a day anyway.

The point is that if you aim at an income of 4-5 lacs a month you need to buy at least 100-500 computers and open an entire arcade.

I know this because I was once making a gaming cafe business plan and the only way to profit even like a beggar is to not pay rent unless you are big enough to go into economies of scale which too would make a loss in 99% of the cases.

If you don't believe me, make your own business plan before you spend money.

Calculate the number of visitor hours, revenue possible, amount to be spent on various stuff, if you get a return on investment of 20-30% after paying your management costs, go for it
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Oops, I think calculations are mistaken. I don't think there is such a huge rent (1.2lac/month)
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Is it so?

Here is what I think..

Suppose if you have 10 Computers and you take like Rs. 40 / hour. Considering 80 hours spent on all Computers. You will earn around 3.2k a day. By deducting all the expenses like rent, electricity bills and stuff. You will end up with at least 1k-1.5k/day in your hand, that's 30k-45k/month.

Well, to attract gamers, you can arrange weekly tournaments. Throw some goodies to best gamers. Arrange some Cafe opening Tournaments. Get some new and best games like BF3. Gamers will love them.

Another good thing is, open up a snack point (coffee shop thing). Gamers eat a lot while playing
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Oh, finally your calculation makes sense now! :-)

I am glad you got the point and that's what I am aiming at. A reasonably profitable business but apart from earning good, I am also looking forward to promote the gaming culture in Souther India which isn't so popular despite gamers out here!

Tried playing games like Battlefield 3, Fifa 12 and NFS Run on our 42" Plasmas which is absolutely breathtaking. I would consider it to be the USP of the case. Finished putting up posters and computer will be ready soon! Planning to go for Razer mouse for better precision.

And, guys looking forward to visit my parlor in groups can search up google for our address. The name is Atari Gaming Lounge. Yet to start marketing more. Suggest me best places to start marketing and get more number of gamers, both LAN lovers and solo or co-op lovers!
 
Hi,

I am thinking of starting such a gaming hub too....this thread has been extremely helpful.

I think the best experience will be given only when the LAN network software is top notch for login/logout timings.

thinking 20 comps , 40k each

Gaming chairs is a must . never go for the cheap plastic ones .

the furnishing is always cheap so no issues there.

there MUST MUST be things kids connect to today.

things happening around the world on twitter . trends >

a huge display for who is the top player.top frags/ top kills whatever.

I think best place to start would be near a school or housing area.

Im thinking in terms of Chetput/Annanagar / Besent nagar.

My 3 area choices.

Place will be selected by this year end.

By mid 2013 there will be a new gaming rig in chennai
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any more people with valuable feedback will really improve.
 
I would suggest you to install Free to Play games on your systems just because they are free to Download & install.

I can provide a list if you are interested.
 
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